Industry analyst firm NanoMarkets estimates that the thin-film and printed batteries sector will expand from $34 million in 2015 to $183 million by 2018 and $1.1 billion by 2022, as long-envisioned end markets such as smart cards and packaging are surpassed by emerging opportunities in consumer electronics, wearable devices, and the Internet-of-Things.
This report examines the latest developments in thin-film and printed battery technologies, from materials and design to manufacturing. We also look at the supplier landscape as it stands today and how it continues to change. In this report we also evaluate all the various end markets, including eight-year forecasts for volumes and revenues.
Among the companies discussed in this report: Apple, Applied Materials, Blue Spark, EnerMat Technologies, Enfucell, FlexEl, Front Edge Technology, Google, Guangzhou Fullriver, Guangzhou Markyn Battery, Imprint Energy, LG Chem, Nokia, Prologium, Rocket Electric, Sakti3, Samsung, Seeo, Solicore, SolidEnergy, STMicroelectronics, Thin Film Electronics, Toes Opto-Mechatronics, and Ulvac.
Highlights from the Report:
Some of the biggest names in consumer electronics sector—Apple, LG, Nokia, etc.—continue to display a growing interest in thin battery technology. Newer patent filings suggest products are at least being considered that could have an affinity for thin batteries. Full integration with other system components also is seeing increased attention.
Wearable electronic devices offer great promise for thin batteries. Initial designs for smart watches and fitness bands don't especially seem to need them, but newer wearable electronics that seek to innovate and differentiate will, we anticipate, open up more opportunities.
With the arrival of the IoT where sensor functionality powered by traditional batteries isn't feasible in terms of form, functionality, or cost, expectations for volumes of thin batteries in this sector have increased. IoT success stories still aren't widespread, but we expect momentum to take shape in the next few years.
We have some cautious optimism for powered smart cards, anticipating that OTP financial transactions currently playing out in Europe will extend into larger markets in the U.S. and China. Still, other potential applications—secure identification (including biometrics), customer loyalty/gift/rewards cards, transportation/ticketing, even healthcare records—remain slow to emerge, and will greatly depend on whatever scale is built out to support OTP cards.
Some compelling cases can be made for specific areas of "smart" labels and packaging, such as monitoring temperature-sensitive biopharmaceuticals or perishable goods through supply chain, and even medical devices. However, we note that similar applications were being talked about years ago and they have become commercialized only slowly.
We increasingly sense a tone of frustration and urgency that an adequate supply-chain remains absent in many cases, eroding confidence that the sector can serve high-volume markets. Some firms have aligned strategically with larger entities as a means to help scale up, while other suppliers have strategic backing that might be tapped. Importantly, those aforementioned consumer electronics firms have massive amounts of money, and supply chains, at their fingertips—thin battery suppliers need both urgently.
www.nanomarkets.net
